Home for the Holidays

It feels good to be home.

The day following my arrival back in sunny Orange County, I was warmly greeted by a jam-packed day full of both loving people and familiarities.

After a lazy breakfast of Cornmeal Pancakes (so so good!) à la chef Dad, I spent a majority of the afternoon at tea with my grandmother.

Tea?

If you thought that only happened in movies like the Princess Diaries, you wouldn’t be alone. But alas, sometime during Thanksgiving break, my grandma asked if I would be interested in doing a holiday tea.

I happily obliged. Plus, I’d be saving my tea-hating grandpa the hours of declared “overrated fufu tea sandwiches”

All about the fufu over here. Bring it on!

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Okay, so I should probably also mention that “tea” was held at the Ritz Carlton right near my house. Yes, you may promptly smack me. I think I’m still smacking myself for being that lucky. Tea itself was wonderful!

There were three “courses” plus two big pots of Pear Caramel Truffle tea.

Everything was delicious out of this world, with my favorite being the Cranberry Macaron.

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But beyond the food and gorgeous view of Salt Creek (a.k.a the beach of my childhood), I honestly loved spending time with my grandmother. It’s something we rarely do, if ever, and I learned more than I can properly recount. It was, in short, an amazing experience.

Taking pictures is one of my premature New Years’ Resolutions, so plenty of photos also ensued!

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Tea (and champagne.)

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The size of this tree is unfathomable.

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This is the part of my soul that will always be tied to California. Believe me when I say Orange County has its misgivings, but there is nothing in he world like this view of the Pacific for me.

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My favorite picture of the day. What a wonderful experience. Or perhaps more correctly—what a wonderful grandmother.

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2 Comments

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2 Responses to Home for the Holidays

  1. First I want that weather and second, the whole idea of going out to tea just seems so sweet and relaxing. glad you are catching up with people

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